Kaspars Gorkšs appointment delayed for State Chancellery review

The Latvian government has postponed a decision regarding the appointment of Kaspars Gorkšs as the Director of the State Chancellery. The delay follows a request from the ‘Jaunā vienība’ (New Unity) parliamentary faction, which seeks to meet with Gorkšs to discuss his vision for public administration reforms, civil society engagement, and state expenditure management.

Edmunds Jurēvics, leader of the Jaunā vienība faction, stated that the meeting is necessary to address questions regarding the candidate's professional suitability. Public information regarding Gorkšs's background has raised inquiries among deputies, as his previous experience has primarily been within the sports sector, including roles as President of the Latvian Football Federation and head of the Jurmala Football School. He currently serves as the Director General of the Confederation of Latvian Employers.

Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs noted that while the government respects the faction's desire to vet the candidate, there is an urgent need to fill several high-level vacancies, including leadership roles at the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau (KNAB) and various state secretary positions. The meeting between Gorkšs and the Jaunā vienība faction is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14.